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WILTON — The Western Maine Play Museum is working to meet unexpected obligations from the federal grant received last summer, which had strict stipulations about the necessary steps needed to secure the funding, as construction on the project continues.
The board initially thought the federal grant would complete the fundraising, but the board has had to spend money to accommodate project requirements.
One of these expectations was that the museum hire an architect to work closely with the board to fine-tune all the construction details, including putting together a bid package that has detailed bid specifications for a general contractor. The bid also included sub-contractors, customized build-outs of certain spaces, specific items or price limits for different finishes for things like flooring, trim and other construction materials.
It has been a time-consuming and complicated undertaking. With help from architect Margaret Innes, the bid package is is complete and is being advertised. A decision on the contractor to finish the construction will be made in the near future, with construction on-site to resume in April.
Planning for the future
Exhibit planning for the main part of the building has been completed, as the committee worked behind the scenes for many months.
The board also faces the challenges of moving from a planning and fundraising venture to planning for opening a business.
In early feasibility studies, careful attention was given to make sure the museum would be fiscally viable; four years after those early discussions, budgeting is still accurate and the financial planning is sound.
The now must address many other new issues, including hours of operation, admission fees, family memberships, sponsored memberships and more.
Finding a director is a process involving creating a job description, advertising, interviewing, hiring and orientation for the new director. Additional staff may also be hired, and it will be necessary to recruit a group of volunteers who will help staff the museum during hours of operation. The board is also in the process of creating a policies and procedure handbook — a less glamorous but essential task.
Annual gala and other ways to help
Fundraising includes the Spring Gala and Experience Auction, which will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 7 at Calzolaio’s Pasta Restaurant, 284 Main St.
Cocktails will begin at 5 p.m with appetizers and a cash bar, followed by a dinner and live auction. Dinner entree will be confirmed via email prior to the event. Some of this year’s experiences up for bid include a ride in a private plane over Franklin County and a five-day Caribbean Villa vacation.
Tickets are $100 per person, and seating is limited. Contact Jessica Lewis (jessica.lyn.lewis@gmail.com) by March 17 to place a reservation. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Western Maine Play Museum.
For more information about donating, purchasing naming rights to one of the rooms or to find items to purchase for display in an exhibit, visit westernmaineplay.org, or contact board vice-president Lori Lewis, 207-645-3945.
